“Our Town, Fort Bragg”: Kindergartners learn about their community through model building

Thursday

Dec 14, 2017 at 10:18 AM

Emily Sussman

“How can we, as authors and illustrators create a book about our town Ft. Bragg?”This is the driving question that spurred 160 Kimberly Hampton Primary School kindergartners and their teachers to create a floor-sized model of their community, built over the course of six weeks.Students created a replica of their homes and the surrounding landmarks at Fort Bragg, and in the process learned a great deal about their own community.The Airborne and Special Operations Museum has opened their temporary exhibit space to display and welcome the school’s project “Our Town, Ft. Bragg.”Teachers and staff began setting up Nov. 28, and an open house was held to welcome Fort Bragg Families, Soldiers and educators to view the exhibit on Dec. 6.Lt. Col. Jonathan Tackaberry, commander, 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, was in attendance. “Seeing the incredible thought and time spent learning, not just about community, but each other … They have learned they have friends living in the same neighborhood. They understand now what Iron Mike is about, what the Kiowa on the field is about, the gates and the history of Fort Bragg,” said Tackaberry.“It’s just an unbelievable project.”John Hamner, a KHPS kindergartner, helped to create the Iron Mike statue and really enjoyed the project.“Painting it was the best part,” he said.Dr. Renee Butler, community superintendent for the Fort Bragg/Cuba Community, Mid-Atlantic District, Department of Defense Education Activity lauded the quality of the project and value of the hands-on education for participating students.“This is real work. This is not just kid’s stuff … it is quality work, and the product is worthy,” said Butler.The exhibit is open to the public until the end of the month.For more information, visit www.asomf.org/december-2017-monthly-feature.